Willow folded her arms under her chest and mumbled something under her breath.
“Is this really even the right time for this?” I asked, looking at Adrianne. “With everything going on?”
She sighed. “Meredith is just trying to reconcile with Willow.”
“Yes,” said Meredith. “And… I also, would like to help you rescue your friends.”
I relaxed. “That’s great. We could really use some help.”
“No, it’s not great,” said Willow, clenching her teeth. “There is no way that I’m going to reconcile with that old witch, so if you want my help, then send her away. Far away!”
Meredith raised her finger. “Listen here – I didn’t do anything to your family. You’re talking and acting ridiculous.”
“Is that so?” snapped Willow. “My mother is dead because of you!” She raised her wand in the air. “And if you think that I’m going to let you try and brainwash me with your lies, you’ve got another thing coming.”
Meredith’s shoulders drooped. “Listen to me, child. There was never any discord between us. Why in the world would I put a curse on your mother, or you, for that matter?”
“Honestly, I have no idea,” answered Willow, blinking back tears. “All I know is that she wrote about it in her journals. She said that you always had something against her and she was told by… by….”
“Told what by whom?” interrupted Clarice, her eyes wide. “Your grandmother?”
Willow blinked several times. “Actually, I really can’t remember. All I know is that my mother is gone. She was taken from me before I could even look into her eyes! And it’s because of her!”
Meredith looked defeated. She rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Your accusations are unwarranted and yet, there’s nothing that I can say that will make you believe my innocence. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.”
Clarice sighed. “Willow, how can you be so sure that Meredith is responsible? Maybe you’ve been misled?”
Willow’s face turned red. “Misled?! My mom’s dead and everything points to Meredith. Why would she lie about something like that?”
“Maybe your mom thought that there was a curse on her?” I asked. “But there really wasn’t?”
Willow rolled her eyes. “She’s dead. I think that pretty much proves my case.”
It really didn’t but I could tell from her attitude that she wasn’t ready to hear anything different. “Where are your mother’s journals?”
“They’re somewhere safe,” she replied.
“Obviously we should take a look at them, too,” said Tyler. “If we’re going to know the truth. Where exactly are they?”
She was silent for a few seconds and then sighed. “They’re still at Gram’s cabin. Under my bed.”
“Okay, well, let’s go get them,” I said. “I’ll come with you.”
“Me too,” said Tyler.
Kala cleared her throat. “That makes four of us going. Now that I have this wand, you’re not leaving me out.”
“The more the merrier,” I said, staring at Willow, who looked a little pale. “Willow, are you okay?”
She nodded slowly. “Yes. I’m fine. Just a little dizzy. And honestly, I’m hungry.”
“I have some fruit in my purse,” said Clarice, opening it up. “How about a nice juicy apple?”
“No, thank you,” answered Willow tightly.
“You need to eat something,” she replied, holding one out to her. “Please, take it.”
“No, thank you,” she repeated. “You’ve already done enough, haven’t you?”
Clarice heaved a heavy sigh and stuck the apple back into her purse.
“Tyler, can you find her something to eat quickly?” asked Rebecca, moving closer to Willow. She put a hand on her forehead and sighed. “When was the last time you ate?”
“I can’t rightly remember,” she said as Tyler disappeared into the back room.
“Then it’s been far too long,” she replied.
Seconds later, Tyler walked back into the store carrying a handful of oranges. “I found these in the refrigerator.”
Rebecca grabbed one from him. “Oh, good. I just picked those up a couple of days ago. Here,” she said, handing one to Willow. “This should help.”
Willow accepted the orange and then walked over to the counter. We watched her in silence as she began to peel it.
After a few minutes, Meredith took a cautious step toward her and cleared her throat. “Excuse me, Willow, you mentioned that your mother wrote everything down in journals. The funny thing is – I could have sworn that I’d heard she was illiterate.”
Willow’s eyes narrowed. “You obviously heard wrong. She definitely wrote in the journals.”
“How about your grandmother? Was she able to read and write?” asked Rebecca.
“She could read a little,” said Willow. “Enough to get by. I helped her after I learned how to read in school.”
Rebecca smiled. “You must have had a lot of patience. Teaching an adult to read couldn’t have been easy for such a young girl.”
She shrugged. “I guess it was a little challenging. That’s why we didn’t get too far. Grams just gave up one day. She didn’t have the patience to keep going.”
Meredith sighed. “It just doesn’t make sense. Nothing makes sense. This talk about me cursing the two of you is absurd.”
“I’m not making this up,” said Willow, clenching her jaw. “And I can prove it.”
“Willow,” said Adrianne, putting a hand on her back. “Calm down, honey. I believe you, okay?”
Willow’s face darkened. “No you don’t. You are on her side.” She looked at Clarice. “So are you. You set this up so that she could steal back the necklace and then take my wand.”
Clarice gasped. “No. That’s not true. I’m just trying to find the truth.”
“I told you the truth!” she replied angrily. “We’re supposed to be family. You said that I could trust you, but it doesn’t go both ways, does it?”
“I never said that I didn’t believe you, Willow. I’m just trying to get this straightened out,” answered Clarice.
“Right,” she said tightly.
“Once we have the journals, you can prove to everyone that you’re right,” I said, trying to make her feel better. “In fact, we should leave now. Before it gets any later.”
Willow nodded and swiped at a stray tear running down her cheek. “Okay, let’s go.”
I looked at Adrianne and smiled weakly. “I guess we’ll be back.”
“Do you want me to accompany you?” she asked, looking skeptical.
“No. We’ll be fine,” I replied.
She bit her lower lip. “I don’t know, it might be dangerous. I should probably go with you.”
“I think the only real danger is in this room,” said Willow, glaring at Meredith.
Meredith’s lips tightened. “Oh for Pete’s sake.”
“We’ll be fine,” said Tyler. “This trip shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Plus, these two both have their Bonding wands. Even if we run into Vivian, she couldn’t do too much harm.”
“Let’s hope not,” replied Adrianne. “Okay. Hurry back. If you haven’t returned in fifteen minutes, however, I’m going to come find you.”
“We’ll be back sooner than that,” said Willow, turning to Meredith. “As long as nobody has found a way to steal them.”
Meredith grunted.
Chapter Twenty-four
When we arrived at Willow’s grandmother’s cabin, Kala and I were taken by surprise. On the outside, the place looked like an old shack. But on the inside, it looked like something out of an interior design magazine. Not only were the furnishing nice, but the quality and details of the woodwork was amazing.
“Wow,” I said, scanning the room. “Nice place.”
“That’s an understatement,” said Kala.
“Thanks,” replied Willow. “My grandmother really loved it here.”
/> “I’m sure,” I said. “It looks like a newly built cabin on the inside.” Even the smell of the cedar seemed fresh. “This place is a dream. I don’t think I’d ever leave if I were you.”
“I know. Anyway, if you want something to drink, help yourselves,” she said, waving her hand toward the kitchen, which obviously had all of the latest appliances and opened up into the great room. There, I could see a massive stone fireplace and a sliding glass door in back that led to a winding deck. I walked over toward the door and looked outside. “Do you ever use the hot tub?” I asked, surprised to see it on the deck.
“Grams used it more than anyone. It helped her relax,” she answered, walking toward the hallway. “I’ll get the journals. I’ll be right back.
“Okay,” replied Kala, looking around. From the expression on her face, she was still obviously as stunned as I was.
“Well, I certainly did not expect this,” I said, looking around again. “Here, I was feeling sorry for her and she lives in this kind of comfort.”
“Come on now, Kendra, you of all people know that the comfort of material things does not fill the emptiness of one’s heart,” said Tyler.
“I know. I’m just surprised that her cabin is so posh, you know?”
“Me too,” said Kala. “I mean, if she’s alone, how could she afford all of this?”
“Willow doesn’t need money. She’s a witch,” replied Tyler.
“Still,” I said, opening up the refrigerator, which was hidden and matched the cupboards. “This place is off the charts.”
“Why are you so surprised?” asked Tyler. “You should be used to this kind of thing by now.”
I shrugged. “I just didn’t expect this. Not in the deep woods of Salem and inside of a cabin that looks no bigger than our garage.”
Kala stared outside at the hot tub. “This place just blows my mind. I hope I can learn how to do this one day.”
“Glad you like it. My grandmother cast a spell on the place,” answered Willow, stepping into the kitchen, holding a small box. “All I have to do is tape a picture to the wall of what I’d like the cabin to look like on the inside, and it changes into whatever is on it. It’s pretty neat.”
“A picture? Are you kidding? There are no words that can describe how awesome that is!” gushed my sister.
Willow laughed.
I walked over to her. “So, you have the journals?”
“Yes,” she said, waving her hand at the box.
“Would you like me to carry them?” asked Tyler.
“No offense, but I’d rather keep them close,” she said. “They’re all I have left of her.”
“No problem,” he answered. “Just trying to help.”
“I know,” she said. “And I appreciate it. Just help me convince the others that Meredith is lying."
“I will after I look at them myself,” he said. “I need proof before I point fingers.”
She sighed. “I understand. When we get back, you’ll learn the truth.”
He looked skeptical. “Let’s hope so.”
“So, not to change the subject, but is this where you healed Vivian?” I asked.
“Yes,” she answered. “A couple of her coven witches brought her to me.”
“Did you tell her about the journals?” asked Tyler.
“I think so. The funny thing is – I don’t remember telling her about them, but, obviously, I must have. She said she’d help me with the curse.”
“I doubt she would have, Willow,” said Tyler. “Vivian would never do anything to help anyone, unless it benefited her.”
“Always promising but never delivering,” replied Willow, staring off into space. “I guess I understand that now. I just thought that because I saved her life…”
“I know,” I replied. “But unless it benefits her, she would never pay you back. The woman has no heart. I mean, she even abandoned Kala and me when we were young. She’s actually our real mom.”
Her jaw dropped. “Really? I had no idea.”
“Only by blood,” said Kala, scowling. “Anyway, so you can see why we don’t trust her. She walked away from us and then has been trying to kill the only person who ever really loved us for years.”
“Besides our father,” I said.
“Yes. Besides daddy,” said Kala.
“I’m glad that you’ve confided in me about this,” said Willow. “It makes me distrust her even more.”
“You can trust us, though,” I said. “You are a part of our family, and unlike Vivian, it means something to us.”
She smiled. “I can tell.”
“We’d better get back,” said Tyler. “Before they come looking for us. Adrianne said fifteen minutes.”
“He’s right,” I replied.
“When this is all over,” said Kala. “Are you really planning on staying with us?”
“Sure. I guess. If Adrianne will let me,” answered Willow.
“I have a better idea,” said Kala. “I think we should all come and live with you. This place rocks.”
Willow smiled. “I’d love that.”
“What do you think, Kendra?” asked Kala.
“Are you kidding me?” I asked. “Of course I’d love to stay here!”
“Then, it’s settled. After we figure out this mess with Meredith, stop the evil witch, and save Bailey and Trixie, we’ll talk mom into letting us move in here. I’m so excited!”
“Simple as all that?” I answered, smiling at how effortless Kala made it all sound.
Kala grinned. “Yeah, we got this, sister.”
“I hope so,” I replied, a little skeptical myself.
Chapter Twenty-Five
When we arrived back at Secrets, we found yet another surprise waiting at the front door.
“This is a grand surprise,” smiled Clarice, locking the deadbolt. “We thought you were in some deep trouble.”
“Trouble? No,” he answered. “Not at all.”
Kala squealed in joy. “Bailey!” She hurried over to him. “You’re really okay?”
He smiled down at her. “I’m doing just fine.”
She took a deep breath and threw her arms around him. “I’m so happy. I was so worried about you.”
Bailey stiffened up and patted her on the back. “Well, thanks. It’s Kala, right?”
Still smiling, she took a step back. “Yes, Kala. I know it’s harder to tell me and Kendra apart now. Anyway, where’s Trixie?”
“Yeah?” I asked, walking over to them. “We heard that Vivian had found her. Did you find her?”
“Yes. You heard right. They’re holding her at Vivian’s mansion. So, when are we going to try and rescue her?” he answered.
“When the sun goes down. So, where have you been all this time, man?” asked Tyler.
He shrugged. “Laying low. Spying on Vivian’s house. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I figured I’d come back here. See if you’d help me rescue Trixie.”
“Of course we’ll help,” said Tyler. “We’ve been planning on it all day. Just taking care of a few things and waiting for the right time.”
“Good. I’m glad,” he replied, looking relieved.
“Where are mom and Rebecca?” I asked Clarice.
“They’re with Meredith, in the stock room. I believe they are still going through boxes, looking for something that might help tonight,” she answered.
“We should probably tell them about Bailey,” I said.
“I’ll let them know,” said Tyler, walking toward the back of the store.
“So, you must be Willow?” asked Bailey, turning toward her.
Willow smiled back. “Yes.”
His eyes moved to the box she’d set down at her feet. “What do you have there?”
“Some journals that my mother wrote when she was alive.”
“Oh,” he answered, bending down. “Can I see?”
“I’d rather you not,” she replied, pulling it closer to her feet.
He stood up quickly. “S
orry, of course. They’re personal.”
“Yes, they are. Say, have we met before?” asked Willow, squinting up at him.
“No,” he replied. “I don’t think so. I’d remember someone as pretty as you.”
I glanced at my sister out of the corner of my eye, and noticed the disappointment on her face. I was pretty disappointed myself. Bailey was obviously not the guy either of us thought.
“Is that right?” said Willow. She smiled coolly. “I’ll bet you say that to all the witches.”
He smirked. “And I’ll bet you give that answer a lot.”
She rolled her eyes and turned away.
Adrianne walked out of the back room, followed by the others. “Bailey! You’re okay. Thank goodness.”
He stuffed his hands into his jeans. “I’m fine. Looks like you’re doing much better. Willow’s wand must have worked.”
“Yes.” She walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. “So, what’s going on with Trixie?”
He flinched and then quickly smiled. “Sorry, I’m just a little jittery.”
She stepped back and smiled warmly. “I don’t blame you. Look, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done. Staying with me and Kala when I was cursed. Anyway, rest assured, we’re going to do everything in our power to save your sister.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it,” he replied.
Adrianne turned to Willow. “Good, you have the journals. Let’s take a look at them, shall we?”
Willow bent down and began sorting through the notebooks. “Here,” she said, holding one up. “I think this is the one that first talks about the curse.”
“There are quite a few of these journals,” said Adrianne, stepping next to her. “She obviously loved to write.”
“She did,” agreed Willow, opening the notebook. Her forehead wrinkled. “What the heck?”
“What is it?” asked Adrianne.
Willow began leafing through the pages. “What’s happened?!” she cried, dropping the book. She grabbed another and frantically began searching through it.
Adrianne picked up the book that she’d dropped, and opened it up. “I don’t understand.”
“What is it?” I asked, walking over.
She showed me the journal. “It’s empty. Nothing is written.”
Enchanted Objects: (Witches Of Bayport) Page 15